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- Convenors:
-
Susanne Giesecke
(Austrian Institute of Technology)
Renata Mandzhieva (Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT))
Masafumi Nishi (AIT, Austrian Institute of Technology)
Dana Wasserbacher (Austrian Institute of Technology)
Alexandra Csabi (Austrian Institute of Technology)
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- Chair:
-
Renata Mandzhieva
(Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT))
- Discussants:
-
Masafumi Nishi
(AIT, Austrian Institute of Technology)
Wenzel Mehnert (Technische Universität Berlin)
- Format:
- Traditional Open Panel
- Location:
- Agora 3, main building
- Sessions:
- Thursday 18 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Amsterdam
Short Abstract:
The panel is dedicated to discuss how Foresight, Imagination and Innovation Studies can contribute to the social, ecological, economic and political transformation to reach the ambitions EU goals of a green, digital and just society, and similar goals on the global scale as the SDGs and the COP21.
Long Abstract:
Innovation theory has undergone some significant and vibrantly debated changes over the last 40 years. Starting with the analysis of national support for Reseach and Development and their contribution for national growth, it has moved on to concept of national innovation system and finally committed itself to the question how innovation system can foster socio-technical system change. We see a close link between innovation theory on the one hand and foresight and imagination for innovation and technology policy on the other hand. While the former focusses on analytical aspects, the latter focus on aspects of multiple futures. The sessions of this panel invite participants to study the interconnections between the analytical and the prospective sides in the context of the grand societal challenges as part of the current EU policies and activities.
The European Commission pursues ambitious goals with the green, digital and fair transition until 2050 together with the UN sustainable Development Goals and the COP 2021 targets. How can foresight, imagination and innovation studies contribute to societal, ecological, economic, and political transformation?
We propose two sessions of which one will be committed to theoretical aspects of the study complex. The second session will focus on methods and possible practice examples. Of special interest are approaches that embrace the active participation of civil society, stimulate the mutual exchange of ideas and perspectives, and the agency of citizens in foresight studies and innovation theory. Studies on how to define transformative targets, ways to pursue them and measurements of success would enrich the discussions.
Contributions are not limited to the EU or Europe. We are open for new ideas from other parts of the world.
We welcome scholars from the field of technology assessment, foresight, future studies, heterodox economics, social studies of technology, alternatives to capitalism, and other interdisciplinary approaches.
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Thursday 18 July, 2024, -Paper short abstract:
Through analyzing the design and use of global energy scenarios in the World Energy Council (WEC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), I address two modalities of future foresight and imagination and their possible contribution to future transition and social change.
Paper long abstract:
In this paper, I examine global energy scenarios and the work around them and discern two distinct modalities of governing the future with scenarios and the ways in which they promote possible future transitions. I differentiate between modern and contemporary mobility by analyzing scenario experts' perceptions and methods. The modern modality of future scenarios consists of a normative perception, a quantitative methodology, and a fractured linear temporality. The contemporary modality of future scenarios consists of an explorative perception, a qualitative methodology, and a contemporaneous temporality. I argue that the former modality is driven by a concern with normative goals and achieving those through designing desirable paths and works to identify actions, decisions, processes, and developments that might impede or deviate from those goals and to formulate interventions so those are prevented or corrected. The latter, in contrast, concerns itself with the contemporaneous emergence of old and new drivers, trends, and factors and their remediation to explore plausible future pathways to reevaluate assumptions and actions that concern the mutually shaped present and future. The analysis of the development, design, and use of global energy scenarios mainly focuses on the scenario work of two global energy organizations: the World Energy Council (WEC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Paper short abstract:
This study examines the future of one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a workshop with engineering students using the Futures Wheel method. Through qualitative analysis and canvas study, it assesses the evolution of selected SDGs, revealing opportunities and threats. It also explores potential new SDGs from new technologies.
Paper long abstract:
This study explores the future trajectory of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through a workshop conducted with engineering students who are conducting Futures Study Project. The workshop aimed to analyze one of the existing UN SDGs, considering its potential evolution in the future via Futures Wheel method applied on specific SDG chosen by students. To gather comprehensive data, qualitative analysis techniques were meticulously applied through a canvas study tailored to the workshop's objectives. The study employed Futures Wheel exercises to systematically assess the future of selected SDG’S implication to several factors thereby revealing both opportunities and threats inherent in the envisioned future paths of the chosen SDG. Additionally, questions were asked to workshop participants to gather their views on potential new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that may arise from emerging technologies. This holistic approach has resulted in a profound understanding of the potential future impacts of initiatives aimed at achieving one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, engaging engineering students in this exercise not only expanded their comprehension of the intricate dynamics surrounding sustainability but also fostered critical thinking and proactive engagement with global challenges. In conclusion, this research significantly contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development by presenting a structured methodology for exploring the future trajectories of UN SDGs. By integrating diverse perspectives and employing qualitative analysis techniques, it offers valuable insights into the potential evolution and impact of these goals.